North-eastern duo
North-eastern duo
VERY few Northumberland farms have been available this year, but two holdings have just been released.
"Open market sales have been thin on the ground, primarily because of foot-and-mouth," says Strutt & Parkers Simon Beeby.
The Morpeth-based agent is selling Haining Rigg Farm, Bellingham, a 412-acre stock rearing unit. The entire farm comes with a price tag of £525,000, but he reckons the attractive four-bedroomed Georgian house will appeal to buyers from nearby Newcastle so has lotted it separately at £235,000.
Land suitable for mowing is valued at £950/acre and lower quality moorland is on offer for £680/acre. Mr Beeby concedes that F&M had an influence on his valuation. "I think people will be quite cautious after the outbreak, this land is priced to sell."
Smiths Gore is marketing a small property, which reputedly possesses the highest "perched" lavatory in England. The more conventional features of Rose Bower Farm, Wark, include a traditional stone and slate building, currently split into a main house and two cottages.
Over £6000 of income is derived from a countryside stewardship scheme on the farms 143 acres of pasture and woodland, but this is due to be reviewed later in the year. Further rental revenue is generated from the cottages and the asking price is £420,000. *